The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-11-19
CINCINNATI LETTER.

CINCINNATI LETTER.
The religious people of this city have
greatly enjoyed recent visit of
Rev. Joseph Parker, D. D.,
the famous London preacher, who stands
at the head Of the Congregational minis
try in England. His lecture at the Odeon
was unique and eloquent, gaining the ap-
prevail of all who heard it. On Sunday
night, Nov. 6, Music Hall was crowded
to it's utmost capacity, at least eight
thousand people being present to hear
him preach upon Popular SINS" He
spoke without notes, in plain practical
style, holding the attention Of the vast
audience to the close of his sermon. 1t
will be remembered that this is the man
who shocked the ears Of Joseph Cook
and the anti Andover party, by his re-
cent liberal utterances in fremont Tenn
pie, Boston.
A late issue OF the Commercial Gazette
notices church which seems
HARD TO sui.
"Having failed to get a minister from
the Presbyterian church in the United
States (Southern), from the Presbyterian
church in the United States of America
Northern), and from the United Presby-
terrain church in the United States, the
First Presbyterian church OF Walnut
Hills will give Ireland hearing to-mor-
row. Canada and Scotland are yet to be
heard from. 1t is not improbable Aus.
tralia, where Presbyterianism is strong,
may yet stand chance. Some have a
hope this church will get pastor before
Christmas" says one Of the editors Of the
Herald and Presenter.
II any of our churches are as difficult to
please they are to be commiserated, be-
cause their range of choice is much more
limited than in the Presbyterian body.
In this confessedly difficult field there are
a great many
-Universalists.
Since coming to Ohio I have met not q
few who are Universalists in sentiment,
but they rarely attend our church, and
do little or nothing for the support of the
cause. Some have left the church for
grievances real or fancied, and others liv-
ing in remote parts of the city, have al
lowed themselv ) to be absorbed by other
denominations. They still believe our
faith, but their influence and means sup
port the opp osite sentiment. God bless
the loyal UniversalIsts who remain true
to their convictions, and in times that try
mems souls are not found wanting Such
there are in this city, and it is owing to
them that our church still lives.
Rev. w. H. Rider,
of Gloucester, Mass, former pastor
here, lately paid his friends brief visit,
on his way to Texas, where his vacation
will be chiefly spent. Sunday morning,
Nov. 6, he preached in the Plum street
church, and in the evening he conducted
the preliminary services at the opening of
the Mcmillan street church.
The Mission Church
was built in 1855 for the Presbyterians,
Rev. DR.. Smith and others preaching in
it until recently. 1t was then occupied
by school. The freshly-psinted exter-
ior looks "as good as new" Over the
Gothic entrance are these words, "First
Universalist Church, Walnut Hill Mis-
o;oD The ouJiEori,1no WALLS n 70 kinko1
terra Gotta color, the wood work above
is cream color, and the rafters are paint
ed chocolate brown. A handsome car
pet, opera chairs, pulpit, cabinet organ,
and new gas fixtures complete the fur
nishing of the room. The walls Of the
smaller rooms are light olive green,
with cream colored ceilings. All in all,
it is a convenient and tasteful church.
Much credit is due to the committee of
gentlemen for the energy with which they
pushed forward the work, and to the la
dies for their excellent taste in the choice
OF tints and furnishings.
The First Service
was awaited with much interest To the
surprise of all, the church was filed with
people, at least twice as many as are wont
to gather in Plum street, being present.
Some of these belong to other denomin-
atoms and may not come again, but it is
believed that the services will be we'll at
tended. The pastor is preaching Sc
ries of lecture sermons upon the follow
ing topics:
Nov. 6, "Why l am a Universalist;"
Nov. Ii, "The Universalist FAITH" Nov.
20, "The Mission of Universalism;' Nov.
81, "The Universaliet Idea of Human
Nature;" Dec. 4 Objections Considered;"
Dec. IL. "Whst do Universalists Believe
about Probation?" Dec. IS, "The Univer-
salist Idea OF Punishment"
The Sunday began it's session
Nov. ID, at $3.50 A. NJ.
May this new movement meet with am
pie success. E.w.w.